Franco-American Tourist Detained in Venezuela Sparks Diplomatic Concerns

Lucas Hunter, 37, has been held since January with no proof of life, as his family alleges political motives behind his detention.

Lucas Hunter, a Franco-American financial analyst from London, was arrested on January 7 near the Colombia-Venezuela border while traveling for kitesurfing.
Hunter’s family claims he was mistakenly detained after inadvertently approaching the border and attempting to turn back, with Venezuelan border agents crossing into Colombia to apprehend him.
The U.S. State Department has classified Hunter as ‘unjustly detained,’ and his case is tied to broader diplomatic tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Venezuela has been accused of using foreign detainees as political leverage, with at least five Americans, including Hunter, reportedly held in the country.
Hunter’s family has received no communication from him since January 8, heightening concerns over his safety and well-being.